Since its debut, The Good Doctor has captivated audiences with its compelling portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, played by Freddie Highmore. The medical drama has received widespread praise for shedding light on neurodiversity while also sparking a debate: Is The Good Doctor the modern-day Rain Man?
The comparison is understandable. Rain Man, the 1988 Oscar-winning film, introduced the world to Raymond Babbitt, a man with autism and savant syndrome, played brilliantly by Dustin Hoffman. His extraordinary mathematical abilities and rigid adherence to routines made him a fascinating character, and for many, Rain Man was their first exposure to autism on screen. With The Good Doctor also featuring a protagonist with both autism and savant syndrome, the similarities seem clear—but how deep do they really go?
Similarities: The Genius at Work
Both Rain Man and The Good Doctor explore the idea of an autistic savant whose abilities defy societal expectations. Raymond Babbitt can perform complex mental calculations instantly, while Dr. Shaun Murphy’s photographic memory and pattern-recognition skills allow him to diagnose and treat medical conditions that others might overlook.
Additionally, both stories challenge stereotypes about autism. In Rain Man, Raymond is misunderstood and underestimated, yet his abilities ultimately shape the emotional journey of his brother, played by Tom Cruise. Similarly, in The Good Doctor, Shaun struggles to earn the trust of his colleagues, proving that intelligence and capability are not hindered by neurodiversity.
Key Differences: Evolution in Representation
Despite the surface similarities, The Good Doctor presents a more nuanced and contemporary portrayal of autism. One of the biggest criticisms of Rain Man is that it reinforced the stereotype that all autistic individuals have savant-like abilities, which is far from reality. In contrast, The Good Doctor takes a deeper dive into Shaun Murphy’s personal experiences, his challenges with social interactions, and his emotional growth—something Rain Man largely sidesteps.
Moreover, while Rain Man tells the story from Charlie’s perspective (the neurotypical brother), The Good Doctor places Shaun at the center, allowing viewers to see the world through his eyes. The show explores his personal relationships, his struggles in a high-pressure medical environment, and his triumphs, making him a fully developed character rather than just a plot device.
A Step Forward for Autism Representation
While Rain Man was groundbreaking for its time, The Good Doctor takes autism representation several steps further. The show doesn’t just highlight Shaun’s extraordinary abilities—it also humanizes his struggles and triumphs, showing him as a complex individual rather than solely defined by his diagnosis.
So, is The Good Doctor the new Rain Man? Not exactly. While both stories shine a light on autistic savants, The Good Doctor provides a more authentic, evolving, and deeply personal portrayal, making it a far more relevant and impactful depiction of autism in today’s world.
